Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian is a documentary film released in 2018. Directed by Syd Beane and co-produced by Kate Beane, the film explores the life and legacy of Charles Eastman, a prolific writer and physician who was born to a Santee Dakota mother and a white father in the late 19th century. The documentary incorporates interviews with Native American scholars, historians, and activists to provide a multifaceted view of Eastman's experiences as a mixed-race individual in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The film takes its name from one of Eastman's most famous works, The Soul of the Indian, which explores the spiritual beliefs and practices of various Native American tribes.
Throughout the film, Kate Beane, who is of Dakota descent and a direct descendant of Charles Eastman, serves as a guide, providing personal insights and reflections on her ancestor's life and legacy. The documentary delves into Eastman's early childhood experiences, including his upbringing on the Santee Dakota Reservation in Minnesota and his education at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he first encountered white American culture.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, Eastman went on to attend college and ultimately became a physician, working to improve the health and wellbeing of both Native and non-Native communities. He also published numerous books, articles, and speeches, many of which focused on the importance of preserving Native American cultural traditions and spiritual practices.
One of the key themes of the documentary is the idea of "dual consciousness," which Eastman described as the experience of feeling "Indian as well as American." The film explores how Eastman grappled with the tensions and contradictions of straddling two distinct cultural worlds, and how this struggle shaped both his personal life and his work as a writer and activist.
Throughout the film, viewers are presented with a rich array of archival materials, including photographs, newspaper clippings, and excerpts from Eastman's writings. The documentary also incorporates stunning footage of various landscapes and natural environments, providing a visual backdrop for the film's exploration of themes related to nature and spirituality.
Overall, Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian is a deeply intimate and thought-provoking documentary that provides a nuanced look at the life and legacy of one of the most notable Native American figures of the 20th century. Through its sensitive and personal approach, the film not only sheds light on Eastman's own experiences but also raises important questions about the intersections of race, identity, and culture in America today.
Ohiyesa: The Soul of An Indian is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.
